How to Work Safely at Height | SCHAKE

Working at Height involves a significant risk of accidents, particularly falls from roofs, scaffolding, ladders, or building structures. Such accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

Therefore, proper preparation and the selection of suitable Fall Protection Equipment are essential to reducing risks and ensuring the safety of workers.

What Is Working at Height?
Working at Height refers to any work performed in an area where a person could fall from one level to another, including working on roofs, scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms.

Examples of work activities involving fall risks include:
-Construction and structural installation
-Roof and building maintenance
-Electrical system installation
-High-rise building cleaning
-Inspection and maintenance of elevated machinery

 What Are the Types of Fall Protection Equipment?
Choosing the right equipment for each type of work is essential for preventing accidents. The main types of fall protection equipment include:

1. Full Body Harness
An essential piece of equipment for working at height. It features straps around the shoulders, torso, and thighs, along with D-rings for connecting to a fall protection system. It helps distribute the forces generated when a fall is arrested.

2. Shock Absorbing Lanyard
A connecting device between the Full Body Harness and an anchorage point. It is designed to absorb impact energy during a fall, helping reduce the forces transferred to the worker's body.

3. Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL)
A retractable lifeline that automatically extends and retracts according to the user's movements. When a sudden fall occurs, its internal braking mechanism locks the cable to arrest the fall.

4. Anchorage Point
A secure attachment point used to connect fall protection equipment. It must be sufficiently strong and properly designed for the fall protection system being used. Never assume that a structure is suitable as an anchorage point without proper assessment.

5. Safety Helmet and Safety Shoes
Safety helmets protect the head from impacts and falling objects, while safety shoes with slip-resistant soles help reduce the risk of slipping while working.

What Is the Difference Between a Full Body Harness and a Regular Safety Belt?
Many people assume that all safety belts provide the same level of fall protection. However, different types of equipment serve different purposes.

-Full Body Harness: Designed to be used as part of a Fall Arrest System. It helps distribute fall arrest forces across different parts of the body.
-Work Positioning Belt: Designed to support workers and maintain their working position. It is not intended to arrest a fall on its own.

Therefore, workers exposed to fall hazards should use a suitable Full Body Harness as part of an appropriate fall protection system.

5 Ways to Work Safely at Height

-Assess risks before starting work: Inspect the work area, height, and surrounding conditions.
-Choose suitable equipment: Use a certified Full Body Harness and compatible connecting equipment.
-Inspect equipment before use: Check straps, hooks, buckles, and stitching to ensure they are in good condition.
-Check anchorage points: Ensure that anchorage points are properly designed and approved for the fall protection system.
-Prepare an emergency rescue plan: Provide suitable rescue equipment and trained personnel in case of an accident or a worker becoming suspended in a harness after a fall.

In addition, avoid working at height during heavy rain, strong winds, or other unfavorable weather conditions.

Conclusion: Working Safely at Height Starts with Proper Protection
Working at height involves serious accident risks. Choosing appropriate Fall Protection Equipment, such as Full Body Harnesses, Lanyards, and SRLs, together with proper equipment inspections and risk assessments before starting work, is essential for workplace safety.

SCHAKE is committed to workplace safety and supports the selection of suitable safety equipment to help create a safer working environment for everyone.